A ranch-style house is a domestic architectural style that originated in the United States. It is a single-story home with an open-concept design intended to create a nice flow throughout. The original ranch style was informal and basic in design, but ranch-style houses built in the United States from around the early 1960s increasingly had more dramatic features such as varying roof lines, cathedral ceilings, sunken living rooms, and extensive landscaping and grounds. The prominent features of the original ranch house style include:
- Single story
- Long, low-pitch roofline
- Asymmetrical rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped design
- Simple, open floor plans
- Living areas separate from the bedroom(s) area
- Attached garage
- Sliding glass doors opening onto a patio
Ranch homes are usually wider than they are deep, often with an L or U shape, and a lower-pitched roof. They typically have large windows surrounding the exterior, as well as low-pitched roofs and, in many cases, a large patio space either in the front or the back of the home. Ranch homes are usually built on a concrete slab, though some can have a basement or crawl space. They are a favorite choice among first-time homebuyers or those looking for ease of living.
